International Children’s Literature Conference on September 20-21

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Sep. 7: An International Children’s Literature Conference is going to be organised on September 20-21 at Nepal Academy in Kathmandu.

The event is going to be organized in collaboration with Nepal Academy, the Nepal Society for Children’s Literature (NESCHIL), and Room to Read, which will gather leading local and international experts to spotlight the significance of diverse and inclusive children’s literature.

The two-day conference will feature over 25 research papers exploring various aspects of children’s literature, presented by both Nepali and international scholars. Alongside these academic presentations, the event will include panel discussions, storytelling sessions and exhibitions of children’s books and artwork.

According to the Vice Chancellor of Nepal Academy, Bimal Krishna Shrestha, it is essential for children's literature to thrive, and collaboration with both national and international stakeholders will greatly enhance advocacy efforts. 

“The conference provides a unique opportunity for Nepali children’s literature to gain international recognition while allowing our local writers to learn from global peers,” said NESCHIL representative Bijay Raj Acharya.

While children’s literature in Nepal has flourished in recent years, there remains a need to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse global market. Every child, everywhere, should have access to high-quality books that reflect their unique experiences, inspire curiosity and empathy, and foster a love of reading.

Room to Read Nepal's Country Director Pushkar Lal Shrestha emphasized the personal impact of children’s books “I still remember the first book I read as a child, the beautiful illustrations, and how it made me feel. Providing the joy of reading to children is essential for their holistic development. This conference will strengthen our ecosystem by highlighting the importance of creating meaningful storybooks.”

The conference will host over 100 experts, scholars, writers, and illustrators from Nepal, along with more than 25 international participants from countries such as India, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, the United States, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Denmark.